Basics
What You Really Need in Your Backcountry First Aid Kit
You Don’t Need a Fancy Washing Machine to Clean Your Down Garments
Our Gear Editor Loves His Crag Wagon Climbing Pack. Here’s Why.
You’ve Skied and Now You Want to Party. Here’s How to Achieve the Perfect Après.
Finding a Multi-Purpose Bike That Fits Your Needs
Do This Before Your First Ski Tour of the Season
Cold Legs? You Need Puffy Pants.
Nordic Skiing Is the Best Beginner-Friendly Winter Sport
The Essential Camping Gear That Lives in My Car
The Gear That Makes #Dadlife Happen
Save Money and Wax Your Skis at Home
Our Senior Gear Editor Explains How She Stays Warm in Winter
Our Editor’s Shoulder-Season Running Kit
Watch and Learn How to Clean Your Yoga Mat
Trying a “Self Healing” Jacket
When to Retire Your Climbing Gear
Essential Sewing Stitches to Fix Your Gear
How to Care for Your Cast-Iron Pan
Watch How to Re-Waterproof Your Tent
How to Replace Your Tent Pole Cord
Nordic Skiing Is the Best Beginner-Friendly Winter Sport
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
Cross-country skiing is one of the most accessible ways to slide around on snow. It’s significantly cheaper than alpine skiing—both the gear itself and the day passes to nordic ski areas, which typically cost under $40. Plus, you can do it anywhere it snows, from groomed trails to flat hiking trails, fire roads, golf courses, or your local park. But figuring out what gear to use can prove challenging: there are many different kinds of skis, poles, and boots, not to mention a host of sport-specific apparel. Here, senior gear editor Ariella Gintzler walks you through her kit and explains what you should and shouldn’t spend money on.
